UK - d&b audiotechnik has announced its return to PLASA Focus Leeds for 2015. Taking place from 12-13 May at the Royal Armouries, the upcoming show follows a very successful Prolight+Sound for d&b. The company introduced three new products: the D20 amplifier, the MAX2 stage monitor and ArrayProcessing, a significant software update within ArrayCalc V8.

At stand NA-24 in the New Dock Hall this trio of products will make their UK debut.

ArrayProcessing is a new, optional, feature for optimizing the tonal and level balance of d&b J, V and Y-Series line array systems across an entire li

UK - Cliff Electronics continues to expand their range of internationally renowned audio jack sockets with a number of new product introductions.

The new S1 industry standard ¼" offset nose space saving narrow body jack socket offers equipment manufacturers higher PCB packing densities. The S1 may be specified with an optional integral chassis grounding contact which connects to the barrel of plug for maximum earth continuity ensuring lowest noise signals and maximum safety. The new offset nose jack socket is available in all nose thread variants. Applications for this new space

UK - Hitachi Digital Media Group has extended the collection of interchangeable lens for the 9000 Series Installation projectors with the addition of the Ultra Short Throw FL-900. As the eighth member of the family, the new lens reduces the throw distance of the range by 60%, opening up a wide variety of new application options that require performance and bright colours in a demanding installation environment.

"The dramatic reduction in throw distance with the new FL-900 lens transforms the installability of the 9000 Series and opens up a wide range of new application scenarios

Germany - Optocore celebrated a 'triumphant return' to Prolight+Sound this year by successfully premiering its new MADI multi-interface switches and bridges.

Launching the new M8 (with four MADI ports) and M12 (eight MADI ports) to the world's press, Optocore founder Marc Brunke told the rapt gathering why they had prioritised the MADI standard. "Throughout the years there have been many voices that believed MADI would not survive the increased number of network protocols," he said. "However, we have observed the complete opposite - MADI is the easiest and most popular

UK - Long-term supporters of PLASA Focus in Leeds, Martin Audio returns to the Royal Armouries (Booth # N-C19) on 12-13 May where it will dedicate its stand to the UK premier of the new CDD installation series (which received its global launch in Frankfurt last month).

Combining distinctive curved enclosures with unique Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology, the series is designed to deliver class-leading performance, fidelity and coverage consistency to most install applications via six two-way full-range coaxial systems - ranging from the micro CDD5 to the powerful CDD15. These

Germany - ArKaos PRO enjoyed a spectacularly successful show at Prolight+Sound, Frankfurt with its stand constantly awash with new and existing customers eager to see the company's latest developments.

The stand's complex projection surfaces were a perfect foil to illustrate the capabilities of ArKaos PRO's Kling-Net, the protocol driving its LEDMaster LED show control, and the latest version of ArKaos PRO MediaMaster software.

Visitors to the stand were also able to witness for themselves the technical wizardry and simple operation of ArKaos PRO LEDMaster - an all-in-one solution w

Switzerland - With the new BeamBar Series, Laserworld launches a low price solution in the product range of single beam fan projection laser bars.

The Laserworld BeamBar units are available in red, green and blue and have 10 laser apertures. At each aperture, one laser beam is emitted. Fine adjustment screws at the front panel allow for easy beam alignment such as making all beams exit the bar parallel or in a certain angle. Each of the 10 laser sources can be switched via standard DMX512, so the BeamBar can easily be integrated to existing lighting setups. It uses 13 DMX channels for

USA - At NAB 2015, Shure unveiled its new BRH50M Premium Dual-Sided Broadcast Headset. The BRH50M introduces a modern design for on-camera use and premium sound quality, suitable for broadcast and media production professionals at every level, says the company. Lightweight, comfortable, and durable, with superior audio quality, the Shure BRH50M is constructed to meet the demanding needs of professional users throughout the broadcast industry.

Designing an on-camera product is a bit of a balancing act," said Matt Engstrom, category director for wired products at Shure. "Altho

Germany - Entertainment motion control systems expert XLNT Advanced Technologies enjoyed a busy and successful Prolight+Sound show in Frankfurt with the launch of CyberHoist II, the second generation of the world's first intelligent, variable speed chain hoist.

The system has been designed for heavy-duty, worldwide touring and large-scale events. Already proven to be an instant hit with safety conscious professionals across the world, it went out on several productions immediately after initial customers took delivery. Amongst those was the Linkin Park tour, where it delivered fast an

UK - Following its success in the pro sound market, Flare Audio is bringing its revolutionary technology to the listening public, with the launch of a campaign on Kickstarter to raise awareness of its ground-breaking innovation in consumer headphones. The campaign runs until 3 June 2015.

The British manufacturer has installed audio systems in venues including the iconic Olympic Studios (London) and The Leadmill, (Sheffield), as well as providing live audio to a wide range of artists, venues and festivals. The company is now using global crowd-funding platform Kickstarter to bring atte

UK - Adastra's LA-600 mkII advanced induction loop amplifier is used for driving a cable loop around a room to provide assisted listening for hearing aid users.

Front panel controls including level controls for the 3 mic/line channels, bass, treble and loop current can be adjusted using a screwdriver. This model has a drive capacity for areas up to 600sq.m. square metres.

Key features include: suitable for hearing aids fitted with a "T" switch; mic/line level switch for each input; built-in siren for evacuation alert and peak current LED indication.

(Jim Evans)

UK - A.C. Special Projects (ACSP) Ltd. will be on hand at PLASA Focus, Leeds 2015 (stand N-E01) to discuss how they can provide bespoke integrated solutions of lighting, audio and AV equipment to the performance, architectural, educational, corporate and retail sectors - including the very latest technologies showcased on the adjacent stand of their sister company (AC-ET, stand N-E02).

The company's highly experienced project managers can handle all aspects of a project and have a diverse portfolio of previous client examples ranging from theatres to nightclubs and bars, restaurants,

UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) Ltd., a leading 'one-stop' international provider of cutting-edge professional equipment with over 40 years' experience supplying to the industry, will showcase a selection of the very latest solutions available from their vast portfolio of over 200 premium brands - on stand N-E02 at PLASA Focus 2015 in Leeds, UK.

Sales teams from company's four specialist product divisions will be on hand to demonstrate and discuss the latest technologies from leading marques which AC-ET are the exclusive UK dealer for - including Chroma-Q, Jands, Prolight

UK - Twilight Trees will be exhibiting at Grow London this year, 19-21 June. Twilight Trees will "add a twist of sophistication and excitement to a one-off event or for use as a permanent installation".

The trees are made with sturdy resin base and are powered by 24v plug. The environmentally friendly LED lights are clustered within cherry blossom petals that illuminate the trees creating a charming, captivating and eye-catching visual experience. The trees are very easy to assemble and are available in 1.5m - 3m sizes.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Philips Vari-Lite reports that the new VL4000 BeamWash luminaire is now shipping worldwide. The VL4000 BeamWash combines wash capabilities with intense beam functionality and the ability to produce a powerful, collimated shaft of light all without the need to change lenses. Using a Philips 1200W lamp, one single fixture can now achieve multiple creative looks through its 43,000 lumens of output and amazing optics making it the beast of any lighting rig.

"As we strive to create the most powerful and innovative automated luminaires on the market, we are extremely excited to n

UK - Lighting Resources will be making it premier UK tradeshow appearance at the 2015 PLASA Focus in Leeds.

"We are very much looking forward to seeing clients new and old, where will be take this opportunity to introduce them to some new brands that LR are exclusively representing in the UK, as well as our own brand LR Technology," says managing director Darren Jackson. "We will be exhibiting the entire Innov ativeand very desirable Ape Labs product range, including the Mobilight 4, Apelight, Lightcan and the never seen in the UK before - Apestick. We will be demonstra

UK - White Light returns to the Royal Armouries in Leeds this month for the annual PLASA Focus exhibition 12-13 May.

On stand N-C24 in New Dock Hall, visitors will find the latest lighting, effects and audio solutions including White Light exclusive products from manufacturers Altman Lighting, ArKaos Pro, Core Lighting, JB-Lighting, Interactive Technologies, Look Solutions, LSC Lighting and Wireless Solution; and from manufacturer EM Acoustics. White Light's display of products will focus on LED lighting, show control systems, special effects and loudspeaker equipment.

Visitors will

Germany - Announcing several significant new products and with a stand that was perpetually busy throughout the show's four days, Coda Audio enjoyed a highly successful Prolight+Sound 2015.

A highlight of the new products was a first glimpse of the company's new AiRAY three-way, full-range line array system. Set for a full launch in the summer, AiRAY addresses the 'holy grail' of exceptional output and intelligibility, yet is half the size, weight and transport dimensions of conventional 2x12" systems.

Also on show for the first time was the High Output Point Source HOPS8, a pa

UK - Leeds-based Production Room, one of the UK's premier stores for pro-audio, recording and hi-tech musical equipment, has recently extended its already impressive stock profile with a dedicated HK Audio display in their showroom.

Featuring practically everything from the German pro-audio manufacturer's portfolio including the compact and powerful Lucas Nano 300 and Nano 600 systems, the Elements and Elements + modular systems as well as the more traditional yet still innovative Premium PR:O, Pulsar and Linear 5 sound reinforcement units - including the popular Linear 5 Rock Pack an

Germany - With Yamaha's flagship RIVAGE PM10 making its European trade show debut at Prolight+Sound, few were expecting the company to launch a new range of digital mixing consoles aimed at bringing its digital technology to a whole new market. But that was precisely what Yamaha did, with the TF Series attracting significant orders at the show.

The TF Series is aimed at small-to-medium sized venues and touring bands, education and houses of worship - in fact anywhere where high quality facilities with remarkable ease of use and an exceptional price point are required.

Adding to the

UK / Germany - Avolites proved its truly international appeal at Prolight+Sound 2015, teaming up with dealers, distributors and friends from around the world to celebrate the launch of its Arena console, the new Titan V9 operating system, and its industry-leading new features such as Autoblend.

Visitors to the Avolites Prolight+Sound stand came from more than 40 countries, and included a high number of potential new distributors, especially from North and West Africa and the Caribbean.

Now, the Avolites team is continuing the buzz by debuting its well-received new products in the UK

UK - Coomber has announced the launch of the market's first range of bespoke sound amplifiers. Coomber Electronic Equipment, one of the UK's leading maker of audio and visual equipment for the education sector, has announced the launch of the market's first range of bespoke sound amplifiers only months after the firm was purchased by a consortium of county businessmen.

Heralded as a major change in direction for the business, the new 44500 Sound Amplifier Series will be fully manufactured to the individual requirements of its customers at the firm's purpose built design facility in Wo

Germany - Acoustic Development enjoyed a very successful Pro Light & Sound in Frankfurt, reporting orders totalling £250,000 received at the show.

"We look to the future with great enthusiasm and determination to develop our innovative technology into the absolute market leader within our industry," says the company. "Our designs gained a lot of attention at Frankfurt causing many strange looks and flashing of cameras. It seems many visitors including the competition were curious as to how we loaded 10 transducers into our AD2000LA which measures just 750 x 270 x

Germany - Laserworld has introduced the RTI Velox laser moving head, available from 1.7W RGB up to 14W RGB. The RTI Velox is initially presented as the RTI Velox RGB 2.5 laser, but more versions will be available within the next few weeks - with laser powers of up to 14W RGB.

The extreme torque of 15Nm and the resulting high rotation speed of up to 180rpm make this unit the perfect gear for highly spectacular show productions and effects. Due to the high end laser system with great colour balance and extremely fast scanners, a use for TV productions or high profile shows is no problem

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